— 5 —

The grand dining room was bathed in a soft, golden glow from the elegant chandeliers overhead. The long mahogany table was set with fine china, gleaming silverware, and crystal glasses, reflecting the affluence of the mansion's owner. 

The servants moved gracefully between the guests, serving them from silver platters laden with an array of sumptuous dishes. The tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked delicacies wafted through the room, promising a meal to remember.

Shinobu found herself seated between Usopp on her left and Zoro on her right. While she gracefully sampled the dishes placed before her, she couldn't help but notice the stark contrast in dining etiquette between her and the men on either side of her.

To her left, Usopp seemed genuinely interested in the flavors, often commenting on the nuances of each dish, and occasionally sharing tidbits about meals he'd had on his journeys. Meanwhile, on her right, Zoro seemed more engrossed with the wine than the food. With each empty glass, he'd gesture for a refill.

Across the table, Luffy was a sight to behold. His approach to the dinner was nothing short of enthusiastic, with every dish, no matter how elegantly presented being consumed at a pace that suggested he hadn't eaten in weeks. His delight was evident, but the grace and decorum expected at such a dinner were lost on him.

Nami is ignoring the boys so Shinobu did the same after assessing them.

When Kaya, looking ever so elegant in her sunflower dress, made a modest request, the room's attention shifted to her. 

"I'd love to try the fish tonight," she said with hope in her eyes. 

Klahadore, with an air of strict authority immediately shot her request down. "I'm sorry, Miss Kaya, but that is not possible."

"Maybe just a small piece?" she pressed, her tone soft yet persistent.

"Now, you know that certain foods can affect your constitution," the butler reasoned, almost sounding like a parental figure admonishing a child. "Here, Buchi has prepared your special soup."

As Buchi presented the blue-colored soup to Kaya, it was clear from her face that she was less than pleased.

"Kaya, it's your birthday. You should be able to eat what you want," Nami remarked empathizing with the young lady.

Shinobu, picking up on the sentiment, chimed in, "A special day calls for special choices. Just a little wouldn't hurt, right?" Her tone was understanding, a gentle nudge against Klahadore's rigidity.

The room grew tenser with Klahadore's defense of his strict regimen for Kaya. "Miss Kaya's medical condition necessitates that I closely monitor her dietary needs," he stated firmly, trying to retain his authority in front of the guests.

Nami, not one to back down shot him a sharp glare. "Does it mean you also speak for her?"

Shinobu, her posture relaxed but her eyes piercing, took a deliberate sip of her tea, "Seems like you're the one forgetting who your lady is."

A tangible tension enveloped the room, with silent challenges being thrown through pointed glares. All except Luffy raised his hand, blissfully unaware, "I'll take her fish."

Trying to defuse the mounting tension, Usopp chimed in, "Luffy, isn't there something you wanted to talk to Kaya about?"

"Oh, yes!" Luffy exclaimed redirecting his focus, "Usopp told me that you own the whole shipyard."

Kaya, caught off guard by the sudden change in direction replied, "Well, actually, my parents founded the shipyard, and Merry's been running the business since... well, since they passed. But all of that's about to change." Her voice held a hint of apprehension mixed with determination, "Tonight, at midnight, I will become the sole owner."

Luffy, always straightforward, didn't miss a beat, "Ah. Well, that's great. Because we want to buy a ship from you."

"I see. Usopp mentioned that you're sailors."

"Nope, not sailors. We're pirates." Luffy's statement caused a ripple of reactions around the table. Usopp choked on his drink, Nami’s eyes widened in alarm, and Zoro simply muttered, "This ought to be good," before taking another sip of his wine.

Shinobu, stifling her amusement, leaned in slightly, "You think so, Roro?" 

Zoro just grunted, "With him? Every meal's a show."

Kaya, still processing Luffy's candid confession, blinked, "Pirates?"

"Yep. We haven't sailed together for long, but we've already defeated an evil clown, raided a Marine base, and taken down a captain with an ace for a hand."

Shinobu glanced over at Zoro and Nami, both displaying varying degrees of exasperation. She whispered to Zoro, "Seems like we're making quite the impression."

Zoro responded, "Just another day with Luffy."

Kaya's gaze shifted between Luffy and Usopp, "These sound a lot like your adventures, Usopp."

"Yeah, that's... That's crazy," Usopp stammered, evidently struggling with Luffy's unpredictable nature.

"Oh, yeah. And we're just getting started!" Luffy declared, standing atop his chair in his usual enthusiastic manner. Nami sent a helpless glance towards Shinobu, both women silently acknowledging that when it comes to Luffy, predictability is always off the table.

"What are you doing? Get down there at once!" Klahadore bellowed, aghast at Luffy's brazenness.

However, Luffy in his usual defiant style, chose to ignore him and launched into a heartfelt monologue. 

"Being a pirate has been my dream for as long as I can remember. And I'm finally making it a reality," he declared, his voice echoing with genuine passion.

Nami looked away, her cheeks flushed in second-hand embarrassment. She wished she could disappear into the floor. Shinobu while sipping her tea while she observed Luffy with a blend of curiosity and amusement. Meanwhile, Zoro took another swig of his wine, his sharp gaze fixed on Luffy, clearly entertained by the unfolding scene.

Luffy continued, unabashedly pacing on the table, "We're heading out to the Grand Line where even more adventure awaits us." He paused dramatically, leaning down to punctuate his next declaration. "And at the end of our journey, I'm gonna find the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, and become—” He raised his glass triumphantly, “—the King of Pirates."

Kaya's eyes widened in surprise. "You're serious?" she inquired, genuinely intrigued.

Without hesitation, Luffy handed his glass to Klahadore. "Kaya, you have a beautiful ship out there. A caravel with a sheep figurehead. It spoke to me. That's the ship we need to follow our dreams."

Shinobu blinked slowly, taking a moment to piece together Luffy's heartfelt speech with the reality of the situation. So, this is his game plan. To sway the mood, strike a deal, and hopefully win over Nami. She mused silently, reflecting on Luffy's transparent intention.

Luffy's gaze never wavered. "I promise you we'll take care of it. Maintain it. Treat it like any member of our crew, because a ship is also a home."

Klahadore's patience, however, had run thin. "That would be quite enough!" he interrupted, his voice icy. Turning to Usopp, he snapped, "I should've known that Usopp would bring riffraff into our doorstep."

Kaya, ever the gracious host, tried to intervene. "Klahadore, It's okay I—" But a sudden cough cut her off, making her clutch her chest.

The stern-faced butler immediately shifted his attention to the young mistress. "Now look what you've done. You've upset Miss Kaya. All of you, out of this house at once!"

But Kaya, drawing on her inner strength countered, "No, it's late. Let them stay the night."

Klahadore's eyes darted between the guests and Kaya, torn between his duty and respect for his lady. "As you wish, Miss Kaya. But they're out first thing in the morning." With that, he escorted Kaya away, leaving the room in an awkward silence.

The remaining silence was palpable, broken only by Luffy's optimistic proclamation, "That went pretty well. Don't you think?" Nami's deathly glare spoke volumes. If looks could kill, Luffy would've been six feet under.

The staff led the four guests to their individual rooms, each as opulent as the next. Sliding open the ornate door to her room, Shinobu was greeted by a sumptuously decorated space - gold-leaf accents, plush bedding, and a view of the estate's expansive gardens. But even such splendor didn't deter her from switching into her usual attire. She quickly donned her Demon Slayer uniform, the butterfly patterns on her haori glistening in the dim light.

Just as she was securing her nichirin katana, a soft knock interrupted her thoughts. "Shinobu? May I come in?" Nami's voice, tinged with exhaustion, filtered through the door.

"Of course," Shinobu responded, opening the door to reveal Nami, already back in her familiar blue shirt.

Nami's eyes widened slightly, surprise evident on her face. "That was fast," she remarked while at looking Shinobu up and down.

Shinobu let out a gentle chuckle, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I could say the same for you."

With a sigh, Nami flopped onto the plush bed, her face contorting into a mix of exasperation and frustration. "What a day," she groaned, launching into a tirade about the events that had transpired. From Luffy's antics to the strained dinner dynamics, she let it all out, her voice echoing the fatigue she felt.

Shinobu allowed Nami her moment, offering an understanding smile and nodding along. As the orange-haired navigator wound down, she seemed to recall her initial purpose. 

"Oh! I almost forgot why I came here," she began, her tone switching from frustration to one of slight urgency.

"Want to come with me on a little... adventure?" Nami's mischievous grin was accompanied by the familiar rustling of a pillowcase she had procured. Her intent was clear.

Shinobu's eyebrow raised in amusement. "Planning on borrowing a few items, are we?" Her tone was more playful than accusing.

Nami laughed, a tinkling sound that echoed softly. "Hey, once a thief, always a thief, right?" she jested. "Besides, it's not just about the loot. A little girl time without the boys' shenanigans sounds refreshing."

"As intriguing as your offer sounds, I'd also like to see more of this mansion," Shinobu replied, her curiosity evident.

As they ventured deeper, the pair exchanged stories and banter. Nami unable to resist started to tease, "You sure enjoy ruffling Zoro's feathers, don't you?"

Shinobu smiled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "His reactions are simply... entertaining. I mean, who would have thought the fearsome Roronoa Zoro, known as a demon among pirates, could be so amusing?"

Nami leaned in conspiratorially, her grin widening. "Do you... like him?"

"As a friend, of course," Shinobu replied promptly.

"And as... more than a friend?" Nami prodded further.

Shinobu's gaze became thoughtful, "I've barely known him. It's too soon for such feelings. But who knows what the future holds?" She paused, chuckling, "Although, I do admit, his recent attempts at countering my teasing are quite delightful."

Nami shook her head with a smirk, murmuring, "You two are unintentionally flirting, whether you realize it or not."

Their lighthearted exchange was cut short when distant voices reached their ears. The duo froze, straining to identify the owners. Tension filled the air as they waited, wondering if they were about to face friend or foe.

Hushed whispers echoed faintly in the dim hallway, a sharp "Hey! Zoro—" 

"Sh! Shut up." The voice was unmistakably Zoro's, laden with caution.

Nami and Shinobu exchanged curious glances, trying to discern the origins of the familiar voices. 

"What are they up to?" Nami murmured, tilting her head towards the direction of the sounds. Shinobu only offered a slight, puzzled shrug in response. A beat of silence passed before the conversation resumed.

"You always carry those swords with you?" 

"Wherever I go, the Wado Ichimonji goes."

"Where are you going anyways?" 

"I'm looking for a drink. This place is a maze."

"How 'bout you?" Zoro's voice rang out again, met promptly by Luffy's simple reply, "Midnight Snack." There was a brief pause before Zoro dryly retorted, "Of course." 

Suppressing a chuckle, Shinobu remarked under her breath, "They never fail to entertain, do they?" Nami, rolling her eyes in exasperation, couldn’t disagree. 

Luffy’s voice then broke through, sounding somewhat cheerful, "Come on. We'll follow my nose to the kitchen." 

As the duo's footsteps grew fainter, Nami and Shinobu emerged from their temporary hiding spot.

"Isn't the kitchen on the ground floor, near the main hall?" Nami questioned. Shinobu nodded affirmatively, "Yes, that's right."

"You think they realize they’re on the second floor?" 

Shinobu smirked, "With their sense of direction? Who knows?"

Nami sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose, "How do they even manage without constantly getting lost?"

Shinobu, raising an eyebrow playfully, teased, "Sounds like they could use a good navigator."

Casting a pointed look at Shinobu, Nami countered, "For the last time, I’m just temporarily with them. I'm not joining their band of pirates."

Shinobu responded with a knowing nod, "Likewise."

Nami blinked in surprise, "Wait, you're not part of their crew?"

Shinobu shook her head, the patterns on her haori rippling with her movement, "No, I’m just along for the ride. They’re... interesting. And I thought they might lead me to something I'm seeking."

Nami’s curiosity was piqued, "And what might that be?"

Shinobu chuckled softly, "Let's just say, trouble seems to follow those two. They're like magnets for it."

Nami smirked, "Couldn’t have put it better myself."

Their whispered exchange was abruptly interrupted by the unmistakable sound of approaching footsteps. Without a word, Nami quickly pulled Shinobu into a nearby room, holding her breath as the door clicked shut behind them. Just as they began to relax, the room's lights flicked on. Their gaze fixed on the room's occupant: Kaya.

"Nami?" Kaya's voice held a touch of surprise.

"Shinobu?" Kaya's questioning gaze shifted to the demon slayer, who waved in acknowledgment, "What are you two doing? Is everything alright?" she asked. 

"Sorry, this house is so massive. I was just trying to find my way to the bathroom." Nami elbowed Shinobu who nodded verifying her reasoning. But it was obvious that Kaya is suspicious. 

Kaya's eyes narrowed slightly, catching sight of the hidden pillowcase behind the orange-head. 

"With a pillowcase?" Nami swallowed hard. She hadn't anticipated this.

"So... you two really are pirates?" Kaya questioned, untucking her sheets.

"I hate pirates," Nami firmly stated, "But I am who I am. And I won't apologize for that." 

"To be honest I find some of the decor a little bit gaudy. I'd prefer to donate some of it to a charity." 

Nami bristled at Kaya's statement, "I'm not a charity."

"No, of course not." Kaya, sensing the rising tension, hurriedly clarified, "I simply meant what's the point of having so much if you can't share it with others? Like those in need. Family?" Her gaze softened, flitting between the two, "Friends." 

"So we're friends now?" Nami said, "You don't even know us." 

Kaya's lips curled into a gentle smile. "Usopp does, and that's a start." 

Moving gracefully, Shinobu approached a window seat and settled down, her silhouette framed by the moonlight. Both Nami and Kaya observed her for a moment before Nami, hesitantly, took a spot beside her.

"Well, since we're all friends now. Why don't we have a chat?" 

Nami looked at her and cautiously walk to her and sat beside her. Her voice dripped with sarcasm she asked, "So what do we do now? Have a sleep over? Do each other's make up?" 

A soft chuckle escaped Kaya's lips, but it quickly morphed into a fit of coughs. Both Nami and Shinobu's expressions turned to concern.

"Kaya? Are you alright?" Nami's voice held genuine worry.

Shinobu, her medical instincts kicking in added, "That cough sounds severe. How long have you been unwell?" 

Waving them off, Kaya responded, "Not you two as well."The two exchanged puzzled glances.

"Everyone's so careful around me. Like one wrong move and I'll break." Kaya's voice held a hint of exasperation. "I don't want your pity." 

Shinobu's smile returned, slightly teasing, "Who said anything about pitying you?"

While Nami retorted, a smirk playing on her lips, "Well, if you don't want pity, you certainly won't get it from us."

Kaya changed the topic, "Oh, Nami said that she wasn't a pirate. How about you Shinobu? Are you a pirate?"

In the soft lighting of Kaya's room, the conversation flowed like a river, meandering through past adventures and experiences.

Shinobu, ever so poised tilted her head, her butterfly-patterned haori shifting subtly. "Being a pirate? Can't say I've ever considered it. Though Luffy never officially asked me to join, I'm simply finding their journey amusing for the time being."

Nami snorted, her vibrant orange hair cascading around her face. "Amusing? After tonight, I'm sure Kaya would consider us a pack of lunatics."

Shinobu's gentle chuckle filled the air. "However eccentric Luffy's tales sounded tonight, they were grounded in reality. Our adventures, as wild as they were, have been quite an experience."

Nami threw her hands up, a playful exasperation in her eyes. "Every time I turn around with Luffy, there’s a new crisis. It feels like we've been in one calamity after another, and it hasn’t even been that long!"

Shinobu paused for a moment, a hint of genuine curiosity in her eyes. "Does being attacked by the Marines and being in a bird cage can be considered life-threatening?" 

Nami's eyes widened in exasperation, "It wasn't about that! We invaded the Marines and fought their captain and luckily— we survived! Only to find ourselves stuck in a pirate circus troupe and get caged in bird cages. Not to mention that that Clown Pirate has a devil fruit and we are certainly outnumbered!" 

Shinobu's serene demeanor remained unbroken. "But we emerged victorious, didn't we?"

Nami looked like she was on the brink of tearing her hair out. "You're becoming just like them! Stay away from Zoro for a while, will you? I was banking on you being the voice of reason amidst this madness. I might lose my mind if you start acting like those two!"

Kaya's eyes darted around, searching, "Is Zoro the quiet man with the green hair?" She inquired.

Nami chuckled, "That's him! Always with those three swords of his. You can't miss him."

Kaya's gaze then shifted to Shinobu's lap, where a beautifully crafted sword rested. "Speaking of swords, you have one as well."

Nami leaned in, her orange hair cascading as she teased, "I suppose birds of a feather flock together, huh?"

Shinobu, adjusting the sword for comfort, responded, "A swordsman should always be prepared. It's not about thinking alike, but more about being always ready."

Kaya, a playful twinkle in her eyes, added, "You and Zoro seemed quite... in sync during dinner. Are you two close?"

Nami's smirk widened, "Oh, they're beyond close! It's always fun to see them together." 

Shinobu laughed, refusing to be baited. "Zoro's reactions are... enlightening. And every banter pushes me to think of the next."

With a sly glance, Nami murmured, "Some might call that flirting."

Shinobu pretended to brush off something from her haori, avoiding Nami's playful gaze, which caused Kaya to giggle. Spotting her chance, Shinobu turned the tables, "Speaking of close, Usopp seems to have a soft spot for you. He's always speaking so warmly of you. How do you feel about him?"

Kaya's cheeks turned a soft shade of pink, the topic suddenly becoming personal. The room was filled with a light-hearted, playful atmosphere as the girls continued to share stories and tease each other.

"Oh... uhm." Kaya hesitated, a soft laugh escaping her lips, "Usopp and me? No. No." 

"Why do you think so?" Shinobu inquired gently. Kaya's face softened, a distant warmth in her eyes.

"We've known each other for years. Eversince his mother died. He didn't have anybody, so my parents gave him a job at the shipyard. He likes to come around and tell me about his brave exploits and grand adventures. And truth is," she confessed, glancing at the duo, "They make me feel better." 

"Your parents... What happened to them?" Nami asked.

A shadow of grief passed over Kaya's face, "They, uhm... they died at sea." 

Understanding the weight of the topic, Nami and Shinobu exchanged a silent glance, trying to think of a way to lighten the mood. Kaya, however, continued, "All these years and it still takes my breath away. I couldn't go through their belongings. Just... locked up their memories in the East Wing, where their bedroom was." 

Shinobu felt a deep stab of empathy, memories threatening to resurface. 

"Have you ever lost anyone close to you?" 

Her question flashed a certain memory. The chilling screams echoed in her mind. 

"K-Kanae— They are—" 

"We need to run, Shinobu!" 

"Go away! Don't come any closer!" 

"MAMA! PAPA!" 

"Kanae! No, please! Not you too! Kanae!" 

"Shinobu..." 

"Don't talk. Save your strength. The reinforcements are coming—" 

"Shinobu... live a better life... leave the corps and... and find your own dream..." 

"Yes! We will leave together once the corps eradicated the demons. When Muzan is defeated. We will see the new era of the new dawn where demons are all gone. Together, we will. So please, hang on, please..." 

"Find your own dream and be happy... Shinobu..." 

"KANAE!!!" 

"No." 

Both Nami and Shinobu answered at the same time. But there was a hint of regret, anger, and sorrow in their tone. Kaya let out a resigned sigh, "I'm jealous." 

Nami scoffed and said, "Said the rich girl." 

The mood lightened as Kaya teased, "You're not very good at this friends thing, are you?" 

"Well, atleast I am good enough that Shinobu here." Nami grinned, pointing at Shinobu. 

Shinobu feigned shock, "Oh? Excuse you but I think I am much more experienced than you," 

"Oh, yeah? You say so, huh." 

Kaya chuckled, "Guess not any one of us are good at this thing." With laughter in her voice Nami agreed, "No. I guess we're not." 

The hours flew by as they shared stories, light banter, and hearty laughter. As the clock struck past midnight, Kaya extended an invitation, "Why don't you two join me for breakfast tomorrow?" 

"Your friends too. We can discuss the deal about the caravel." She added. 

"Luffy would be overjoyed," Shinobu responded with a smile, "Thank you, Kaya."

Before they parted, Nami spoke up, a hint of hesitation in her voice, "This may not be my place, but don't let Klahadore or anyone for that matter, to run for your life," she assured her, "You're stronger than you think." 

Kaya's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. Shinobu, observing her closely, stepped forward. She leaned in, her gaze searching Kaya's. Nami observed, curious.

With a light touch, Shinobu whispered, "Your emotional distress seems to be manifesting physically. Always be cautious with what you consume." She retreated, her characteristic gentle smile back in place.Kaya's face radiated gratitude. 

"Thank you, both of you." The girls prepared to leave.

"Goodnight, Nami. Goodnight, Shinobu."

They echoed, "Goodnight."

As they neared the door, Kaya's voice reminded them,  "Don't forget your pillow." 

Nami grinned cheekily, retrieving her loot-filled 'pillowcase'. Once outside, Shinobu watched as Nami began restoring her "borrowed" treasures.

"Done with your little borrowing spree?"

Nami responded affirmatively, "All done."

Shinobu's gaze lingered on the closed door, thoughts swirling. Why would someone poison Kaya? Who wants to kill her? 

— 5 —

A/N: Hey there! First of all, thank you so much for adding this story to your reading list. I appreciate it a lot and it is really motivating to see that you guys like this fanfiction. Second, since this is a crossover, I already planned to follow the Live Action material. There will be some adjustments, not with the arcs, but just to add Shinobu's backstory and the Demon Slayer characters. You will also notice some changes since Shinobu is part of their crew here and I do really hope that you'll like it! I also don't have a particular update schedule, but I am kind of hoping to finish the drafts before my school starts and get busy. But rest assured, considering that I am starting to get addicted to watching anime (I am not complaining, this is one of the best decisions I've ever made in my whole life), I am pretty confident I can finish this story. And we also have Season 2 of Live Action, so more material and, of course, more of One Piece! Anyways, that's all. Thank you so much and have a nice day! 

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euni
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